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Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Sun Ra Mix Tapes
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Marvin X meets his muse in Sacramento, Superwoman Fahizah Alim
Marvin X and Muse Fahizah Alim
While attending the Sacramento Black Book Fair, Marvin X was blessed to have dinner with his longtime friend, student and muse, Fahizah Alim, editor emeritus at the Sacramento Bee. The two had dinner along with two current students of Mr. X, Aries Jordan and Prosperity Carter. Fahizah gave us a rare reading of her poetry, astounding Marvin and the budding writers. She gave many words of wisdom to the young women, including her analysis of the political personalities she's encountered in Sacramento. Gov. Jerry Brown recently appointed her Communications Director of a State Civil Rights Agency.
Prosperity Carter, Marvin X, Aries Jordan
Aside from reading their original poetry, Prosperity and Aries performed parables from Marvin's collection The Wisdom of Plato Negro, parables and fables, Black Bird Press, Berkeley CA. Aries did a dramatic reading of Parable of Woman on the Cell Phone, Prosperity choreographed his Parable of Woman in the Box.
The Wild Crazy Ride Called the Marvin X Experience will participate in Juneteenth Festivals in San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and possibly Fresno.
Letter to Marvin X from the Sacramento Black Book Fair
Marvin,
Thank you for coming to the Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair. You were the fire. It was delightful meeting you, seeing you, and hearing you in action. You have quite a fan contingent in Sacramento.... But you were a great presence. I"m so glad you came, and again, thank you.
Thank you for coming to the Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair. You were the fire. It was delightful meeting you, seeing you, and hearing you in action. You have quite a fan contingent in Sacramento.... But you were a great presence. I"m so glad you came, and again, thank you.
Dave Covin
Marvin X is available for readings/speaking engagements coast to coast. Call 510-200-4164. Send letter of invitation to jmarvinx@yahoo.com
Teaching While Black: Racism at Claremont MIddle School
Teaching While Black: Exposing Institutional Racism at Claremont Middle School
It’s becoming increasingly evident that the school administration is feasting off of a culture of exclusion and intimidation to achieve its end goal. Claremont has had a troubled history for many years due to a massive amount of administrative turnover. However this began to change when Reggie and Ronnie Richardson were hired in 2011. The Richardsons were co-principals who were turning the school around; so much so, they received local and nationwide press. However the Richardsons did not return for the 2014-2015 school year, accepting a position instead with a neighboring school district. Once again, Claremont was left in a state of transition. The staff at Claremont prepared to collaborate with new principal Jonathan Mayer and Vice Principal Tonia Coleman. Former Afterschool Site Coordinator Aries Jordan noted, “It was unfortunate when (the Richardsons) left but I stayed because I’m committed to the children… I wanted to support the students through this transition.”
Racially-Based Student Tracking
“This is all about race.”
Kurt Kaaekuahiuu witnessed this firsthand during a teacher meeting in which Principal Mayer stated, “This is all about race. We know that the white kids will go to places like Stanford or Berkeley with or without our help. We would be lucky if black students at best graduated from high school and went to a junior college.” Another tracking program-“Math Intensive”- is happening concurrently in 7th grade. It’s a class designed for the more advanced students. Math teacher Alonna Haulcy teaches both Math Intensive as well as the traditional math class and notes, “I do think there are some (black) kids who are capable of being in Math Intensive. I’ve expressed that to the principal. He said he would have the department head look at their test scores and I never heard back from him.”
Demoralizing Teachers of Color
“They’re not giving me my own voice.”
Another major problem is Principal Mayer’s top-down approach along with an outward hostility towards any staff member who attempts to question his methods. Kaaekuahiuu states, “From the beginning, Claremont was framed from a complete deficit model. They looked at everything that was wrong with the school without prior knowledge or asking teachers.That says a lot about who you are as a manager.” Kurt used to be the Ethnic Studies teacher until he received an email that the school would no longer support the class. A 7th grader at Claremont reflects on the cancelled Ethnic Studies program: “All the students were engaged because he went outside of the book. His whole class was decorated with Ethnic Studies quotes and pictures. They were torn down by the end of the year and I wondered why.” Alonna Haulcy also feels constricted, “They’re not giving me my own voice. She noted that she is the only veteran teacher who is getting five classroom evaluations; something that is only required for new teachers. When she inquired about it Mayor gave no explanation; but she’s the only black teacher on the list.
Aries Jordan also discusses her struggles working with the administration while coordinating the afterschool program which is “99.9 percent black.” Ms. Jordan had a difficult time running the program this year since the cafeteria burned down in February. Instead of the Claremont administration accommodating the program with unused classrooms in the school, they forced students to have their after school program outside despite cold weather conditions. Moreover, Principal Mayer claimed that he wanted to make technology a priority in the afterschool program however, Jordan’s students weren’t allowed to use the computer lab or the 60 Macbooks and laptops owned by the school. “They recommended this technology program to us and then turned around and denied us access to the abundant resources available.” states Jordan. Finally, the administration conceded by loaning 4 outdated MacBooks to the entire program. Apparently the Claremont administration wants to institute a tuition policy at the after school program next year; yet another barrier to access students will be up against.
Removing Black Teachers
“Every person of color is leaving.”
It started with Ms. Bebe, a staff member who challenged Principal Mayer’s thinking and also questioned his racial biases. Soon after, her position was consolidated and she was transferred. Mirishae McDonald was next. She continued to advocate for her students by questioning the administration’s tactics and was given a notice of non-reelect shortly afterward. A non-reelect is something that is possible for all teachers in OUSD to receive during their first two years of teaching. If a teacher receives a non-reelect, not only are they not allowed to teach in the school for the following year, but they are banned from teaching in OUSD. There is no due process and it’s left completely up to the principal’s discretion. According to Music teacher Vincent Tolliver-a teacher with 23 years of experience in OUSD,“Your evaluations are irrelevant. You can get good evaluations and it doesn’t matter. Unfortunately, it’s become a tool that an administrator can use to eliminate someone and not do their job of providing adequate training.”
Tolliver is also a member of the Oakland Educator’s Association who will soon conduct research for a report that investigates the disproportionate number of Oakland’s teachers of color who are non-reelected. He sees OUSD’s stated desire to recruit more teachers of color as lip service. “If you look at their practices, they’re not conducive to recruiting and retaining them.” Afterschool Site Supervisor Aries Jordan, was also fired by the administration through intimidation practices, and now other teachers are choosing to leave because of the hostile environment. Kurt Kaaekuahiuu and Vincent Tolliver will leave after this year, describing the work environment as “severely damaged.” Kurt looks on this experience solemnly. “I loved Claremont but now I feel incapacitated; not from the work but the professional culture of Claremont. People are devalued. Every single person of color is leaving.” Alonna Haulcy’s plans are unclear but she does admit that, “this is the first time I’ve wanted to leave.”
Moving Forward
“Classrooms are a political battlefront; being present everyday is a political act. Nothing is neutral.”
The New York Times recently published an article about racial disparities in the teaching field which showed that “despite the fact that minority students have become the majority in this country, more than 80 percent of teachers are white.” (Rich, 2015) The article cited this trend in major East Coast cities however, it’s something that extends into the city of Oakland. Claremont Middle School is not just an isolated incident of institutional racism fueled by poor leadership, it’s a microcosm highlighting the poor treatment of black teachers in the U.S public school system. It raises many questions regarding institutional racism, and if school systems truly believe in the ability and agency of black educators. When asked about his next steps, Kaaekuahiuu strongly states, “I needed a wake up call. I needed a grave reminder of the gross inequities and the systematic attack on black and brown communities. Classrooms are a political battlefront; me being present everyday is a political act. Nothing is neutral.” Aries Jordan reflects on her traumatic experience and remains hopeful and determined, “My goal is to connect my experience to what’s happening across the U.S. How many other educators of color are being pushed out?” Mirishae McDonald also remains courageously outspoken, “I will not be bullied into silence. We need to come together and show that we are not afraid.”
The Marvin X Fan Club
Letter to Marvin X from the Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair
Marvin,
Thank you for coming to the Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair. You were the fire. It was delightful meeting you, seeing you, and hearing you in action. You have quite a fan contingent in Sacramento.... But you were a great presence. I"m so glad you came, and again, thank you.
Thank you for coming to the Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair. You were the fire. It was delightful meeting you, seeing you, and hearing you in action. You have quite a fan contingent in Sacramento.... But you were a great presence. I"m so glad you came, and again, thank you.
Dave Covin
Monday, June 8, 2015
MUMIA IN THE NATION MAGAZINE
HiMarvin,
We are rising up for Mumia. This past week we placed a full-page Ad in The Nation which calls for Mumia's freedom.
Now, I'm calling on you to support us and help us as we cover the cost of the Ad.
We are doing this because we believe in Mumia's voice. He reaches out to us, so we reach out for him. Check out his new commentary "NSA Anyway" by Mumia Abu Jamal (2:12) 6-7-15
This Ad will act as a nation-wide catalyst for tens of thousands of people to join Desmond Tutu, Alice Walker and Cornel West by signing an Open Letter demanding medical treatment and freedom for Mumia.
MARVIN X ADDS HIS NAME IN SUPPORT OF MUMIA.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
The Human Earthquake meets Dr. Nigger, poet Neal Hall, MD, author of the collection Nigger for Life
Black Arts Movement poet Marvin X and poet Dr. Neal Hall of Philadelphia attended the Sacramento Black Book Fair. When Dr. Hall came to Marvin's chatroom today, he asked the poet to read his classic Dr. Nigger, from his internationally acclaimed collection Nigger for Life. Dr. Hall travels to India on June 9, 2015. Marvin X says, "I am a Nigguh fa life!: Translated: I am a bad motherfucker and I will chop off yo motherfuckin head if you fuck wit me in the wrong way!"
The meeting of Marvin X and Neal Hall, Sacrament Black Book Festival
Several
years back, I reached out to Mr. Marvin X via his Blackbird blog.
Marvin was generous to promote me and my work, not only in a series of
blog posts, but actually on the street corners of Oakland, California.
His favorite poem being Dr. Nigger. A poem that many have
enjoyed/requested throughout my world travels. Shortly thereafter, we became great email friends
After
many years of corresponding, Marvin X and I met - face to face - for
the first time at the Sacramento Black Book Festival. Needless to say
during ”his” sessions to speak on his work, this giant of civil rights
and activism took time to acknowledge me and my work before his
audience. And if that was not enough, he called upon me to read Dr.
Nigger before his audience; not once but on two separate occasions.
Such lead to extremely generous and heart-felt introductions to and
accolades by other giants of civil rights and the black arts movement
such as Prof. Eugene Redmond, Prof. Halifu Osumare and Poet, Gene
Howell, Jr.
N
Neal Hall, M.D.
NealHallpoet.com
Saturday, June 6, 2015, The Black Arts Movement panel at the
Sacramento Black Book Fair
Marvin X
Eugene Redmond
Halifu Osumare
Dr. Nigger on the Streets of Oakland
Dr. Nigger on the Streets of Oakland
When Oakland folks stop by Marvin X's Academy of da Corner at 14th and Broadway, crossroads of the East Bay, he let's them peruse Journal of Pan African Studies, Poetry issue--he was guest editor. The poems people like, they proceed to read aloud. To date, the most oft-read poem is Dr. Nigger by Philadelphia poet/physician Dr. Neal Hall, author of Nigger for Life, 2009.
Dr. Nigger
Dr. Nigger
Can you cure me without
touching me with nigga hands
Can you save my life
without changing my life
Can you dance soft-shoe while
humming those negro tunes
when my white life codes blue
Can you reach inside yourself
beyond the shit we put in you…
past painful moments we put in you…
past despair and hopelessness
we’ve put in you and
find that old black magic in you
to save my life without changing
all the shit we put in you
Dr. Nigger
Can you breathe in me
air free of nigga
from a nigger not free
to breathe in free air
Can you stay on the colored side
of the color line and reach across
without touching me with nigga hands
to restart my blue heart without
changing my cold heart
Can you reach past the life
we’ve taken from you to
save my life and not
let white life pass me by
Dr. Nigger
save my life
without taking my life
Cure me without
touching me with nigga hands
Dance soft-shoe while
humming negro tunes
while you save my life
without changing my life
when my white life codes blue
--Neal Hall, M.D.,
Copyright 2009
“…a warrior of the mind … a warrior of the spirit,
an activist, a poet.”
- Cornel West, Ph.D.
Neal Hall, M.D., graduate of Cornell and Harvard, ophthalmologist and poet, has published a critically acclaimed anthology of verse, Nigger For Life, reflecting his painful, later life discovery, that in “unspoken America,” race is the one thing on which he is “first” judged, by which he is “first” measured, “first”, against which his life and accomplishments are metered diminished value, dignity, equality and justice. All of which have everything to do with accessing choice, opportunity, power and freedom in America.
It’s no ordinary muse that has Dr. Hall becoming as much a part of his poetry as his poetry has become a part of him. Rather it’s a deep sense of betrayal combined with a passion for life that shows through. He can’t help but bare his intelligence, his wit and his dreams. His anthology is as confronting as it is illuminating, as disarming as it is thought provoking.
Two notable and well respected minds best describe why Nigger For Life is important and timely: Cornel West, Ph.D., (Princeton University) said of the book “…his poetry has the capacity to change ordinary people’s philosophy on social and racial issues”.
Beth Richie, Ph.D. (University of Illinois at Chicago) stated the “ … images and issues addressed in Nigger For Life are tremendously important to our [African American] people and the academic field of African American Studies”
Nigger For Life’s candid, gut wrenching clarity gives it it’s tremendous power and impact to provoke both thought and honest dialog regarding race, racism, equality and freedom, not just in America, but throughout the world. The book’s unique ability to open minds, touch hearts and change philosophies of ordinary people is immeasurable.
The body of poetry is extraordinary … meaningful beyond black and white, worthy of – down through the ages – analytical and academic study for their compelling, empowering commentary. Nigger for Life should be read, studied and included amongst the great poetry volumes written.
Nigger For Life can be obtained at: www.surgeonpoet.com
Email: info@NiggerForLifeBook.com
Online Interview at: www.caribbeanbookblog.wordpress.com.
Conversations LIVE! Radio http://conversationslive.blogspot.com
Marvin X was guest editor of the Journal of Pan African Studies poetry issue
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Saturday, June 6, 2015
Human Earthquake hits Sacramento suffering 95 degree heat
Sacramento's North American African Mayor Kevin Johnson addresses Sacramento Book Fair
Mayor Johnson, President of the US Conference of Mayor's, received a call from President Obama after the Mayor got US Mayors to endorse his trade agreement. UMass professor Bill Strickland blasted the Mayor for endorsing an agreement that is a secret. Professor Strickland is seated on the left.
Marvin X's memoir of Eldridge Cleaver, written in three weeks in Houston, Texas
The Human Earthquake was not a stranger to Sacramento, having lived in the Oak Park District during his addiction to Crack cocaine in the 90s. For a time he lived on La Soledad Ave. with his Black Arts Movement mentor Alonzo Harris Batin. Alonzo Batin, a career criminal, recruited the Black Arts West Theatre crew into the Nation of Islam, including Duncan Barber, Hillery Broadous, Ethna Wyatt and Marvin X. BAW members playwright Ed Bullins and Carl Bossisere (cousin of Michael and Ted Lange) did not join but were also impacted by the BAM guru Batin, who'd spent time in San Quentin with Eldridge Cleaver, author of Soul on Ice, who Marvin X introduced to Black Panther co-founders Bobby Seale and Huey Newton. Eldridge, immediately joined the BPP and became Minister of Information.
Another Black Panther named Earl Anthony, aka, Earl the Squirrel, wrote a play about Eldridge and Alonzo Batin, produced off-Broadway by Woody King.
As per the Oak Park District, Marvin suggested it would be nice to name a street in honor of the Black Arts District. And if Sac wants to really honor the Black Arts District, rename Solidad Way Alonzo Batin Way. Again, he was the chief guru of the Black Arts West Theatre on Fillmore and Turk in San Francisco. Scholars will never honor a street criminal Muslim who recruited the Black Arts West Theatre into the Nation of Islam. Of course, BAW could not accept the NOI discipline, we know all Muslim artists drift toward the Sufi Way. BAW members read Hazrat Innyat Khan, Rumi, Gazzali and other Suffi poets, including the West African Sufi Masters such as Bamba. In the end, BAW members Duncan Barbar and Hillary Broadous became full fledged members of the Nation of Islam. Although Carl Bossiere, Hillary Broadous and Duncan Barber fled to the East Coast and connected with Amiri Baraka in Newark, they drifted into the NOI, although Carl resisted. He was Imamu Amiria Baraka's secretary while AB was associated with Karenga's Al Kaida cult.
AB's connection with Karenga ended with the murder of Alprentice Bunchy Carter and John Huggins in the BSU meeting room on the campus of UCLA. Baraka told Marvin X Karenga was with him when he got the message Bunchy and John had been assassinated. According to AB it was the end of their relationship.
Back to Black Arts Movement Guru Alonzo Batin
Batin had photographer Norman Brown photograph Marvin and Ethna Wyatt for an article that appeared in Muhammad Speaks on how BAM had gone coast to coast.
The Human Earthquake also has a plethora of cousins in Sacramento, two were present at the Sacramento Black Book Fair reception at Underground Books and the Guild Theatre, Stan Murrill and Michael Benjamin. Michael is a member of the Sacramento Black Arts Movement. He has produced and directed plays in Sac for decades, often working with Paul Carter Harrison. He is quick to let people know he and Marvin X are family!
Of course, he calls his muse, former Sacramento Bee writer Fahizah Alim, Lois Lane. But in fact she was Superwoman for Sacramento North American Africans. When in trouble, Blacks in Sac called Fahizah to voice their problems with white supremacy. She is a Marvin X student. He is accompanied at the Sacramento Black Book Fair by two current students mentored at his Academy of da Corner, 14th and Broadway, downtown Oakland, Aries Jordan and Prosperity Carter. Fahizah describes his writing as "orgasmic"!
After the reception at Underground Books, two panel discussions were held next door at the Guild Theatre; a panel on the Voting Rights Act with Professor Bill Strickland and Professor Pinderhughes and a panel on the Black Arts Movement with Professor Emeritus Eugene Redmond and BAM co-founder Marvin X, aka, The Human Earthquake. You've already heard Professor Strickland's remarks on the trade bill. In his conclusion on the Voting Rights Bill, the professor confessed he had to submit to the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad who said the white man is the devil!
Professor Pinderhughes essentially said the same, they are obstructionists, devious, diabolical, in the attempt to keep Blacks and other minorities from voting.
The Black Arts Movement panel began with Marvin X: in the words of Paul Robeson, we are artistic freedom fighters. Art and culture prompted the Black Power revolution of the 60s, thus the power of art and culture. He quoted Mrs. Amina Baraka, "Everybody who say they was in the Black Arts Movement wasn't in the Black Arts Movement."
Larry Neal said BAM was the sister of the Black Arts Movement. Marvin X said BAM was the mother of the Black Power Movement. He quoted Huey Newton: "Marvin X was my teacher. Many of our comrades came through his Black Arts Theatre, i.e., Bobby Seale, Eldridge Cleaver, Emory Douglas, Samuel Napier, et al."
He told of a recent speech by Virtual Murrell, representing Bobby Seale, who said at the 50th Anniversary of Peralta Colleges in Oakland, including Merritt College where Bobby Seale, Huey Newton, and Marvin X were students: "It was when Marvin X brought his play Flowers for the Trashman to Merritt in support of the Soul Students Advisory Council, that the Merritt student movement took off, powered by the Black Arts of Marvin X."
As a demonstration of how cunning and vile the addiction to white supremacy can be, Marvin X told the Sacramento folks that a white man seated at his table ($175.00 dinner) said to him after the remarks by Virtual Murrell, "If I'd known you were somebody important, I would have had a conversation with you!"
The audience succumbed to the Human Earthquake. After his presentation, Marvin X was mobbed by the audience. A young married woman said she was in love with him. Marvin X told her, "If you are in love with me, leave your husband tonight and come with me." A 60 year old woman let him know she was ready to rock and roll with him. He told her, "It ain't about your age, it's about your energy. I know some 29 year old women who are tired and need to take some Geritol! A 23 year old woman told me, "I thought you was an old man!"
photo Adam Turner
Graphics Adam Turner
We suspect Marvin X will be mobbed whenever he speaks Saturday and Sunday at the SAC Book Fair. SAC was inspired by the energy in his words, and the truth!
Blue Nile Press and Community
Partners
invite you to the opening events for the
Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair
invite you to the opening events for the
Second Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair
All on Friday, June 5, 2015
6:00PMOpening
Reception to meet and greet the featured writers
at underground Books,2814 35th Street, Sacramento CA 95817
at underground Books,2814 35th Street, Sacramento CA 95817
6:45PMOpening Panel Discussion by
the featured writers
at The Guild Theater
2828 35th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817
(Next door to underground books)
9:00PMPost Panel Mixer
Live jazz, refreshments, and opportunity to converse with
featured speakers and participating authors
at the Brickhouse Art Gallery, 2837 36th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817
2828 35th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817
(Next door to underground books)
9:00PMPost Panel Mixer
Live jazz, refreshments, and opportunity to converse with
featured speakers and participating authors
at the Brickhouse Art Gallery, 2837 36th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817
Please RSVP by
Sunday, May 31, 2015 to Faye Wilson Kennedy (916) 484-3749 or
emailing:Faye
at Faye@bluenilepress.com
2015 Co-Sponsors/Community
Partners:
African Research
Institute
Black United Fund of
Sacramento Valley
Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Black Bird Press
The Black
Group
Brickhouse Art
Gallery
Blue Nile
Press
City of Sacramento –
Neighborhood Services Department
Friends of the
Sacramento Public Library
Jtenterprise
Roberts Family
Development Center
Sacramento Area Black
Caucus
Sacramento City
Councilmember Allen Warren
The Sacramento City
Teachers Association
Sacramento City
Councilmember Steve Hansen
Teichert
Foundation
The Talking Drums
News
Colonial Heights
Library Affiliated Friends
Kakwasi
Somadhi
Underground
Books
Sacculturalhub.com
Drexel University
Sacramento
Sacramento Juneteenth,
Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Sorority, Inc.,Eta Gamma Omega Chapter
Sacramento Alumnae
Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
Fred and Ruth
Foote
ZICA Creative
and Literary Guild
Center for African
Peace & Conflict Resolution, CSUS
Black Humanists and
Non-Believers of Sacramento
Sacramento
Section- The National
Council of Negro Women
Mary McLeod Bethune Readers are Leaders Club
Tracy & Symia Stigler
Young Scholars
–Calvary Christian Center
Sacramento Poetry
Center
Sister to Sister Book
Group
100 Black Men of
Sacramento
Sacramento Food Bank
& Family Services
Felicia
Armelin
Brenda’s Mane
Event
Black Parallel School
Board
Literary
Ladies Alliance
The Merritt
Law Clinic
Sisters
Quilting Collective
NIA –Women of
Purpose
Leslie Wilson
Kennedy
Sacramento
Chapter-Black Child Development Institute
Pam Haynes
Black Images Book
Club
The Borden Family
OBBC (Book Club)
Sacramento
Black Chamber of Commerce
Allegro Book
Club
Sacramento
Public Library Foundation
The
California Endowment
The Office of
Campus Community Relations, University of California, Davis
Los Rios Community
College District
Roy
Kaufman
Sacramento Observer
Newspapers
California Black
Chamber of Commerce
Endorsed by:
Mayor Kevin
Johnson
Women's Civic
Improvement Club
Oak Park United
Methodist Church
Guild
Theater
Sacramento City
Unified School District
Sacramento Public
Library
Assembly member Kevin
McCarty
California Legislative
Black Caucus
916Ink
Crocker Art
Museum
Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (SAYS)
Thank you and join the
celebration!!!
Friday, June 5, 2015
Family of Boston man murdered by terror investigators shocked
Family of man shot by terror investigators shocked by claims
Boston suspect's family says he wasn't inspired by ISIS
Surrounded by Rahim's brothers, mother and wife on the sidewalk where Rahim was shot, Sullivan said Thursday that they hope to work "productively and cooperatively" with investigators in a "joint effort to search for the truth."
"Let me be clear: The family is not making any substantive claims at this time about what happened in this case," Sullivan said.
The family and Sullivan met with Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley later Thursday and viewed video of the shooting.
In
deference to the family's wishes, the video will not be released
publicly until after Rahim's funeral, Conley said in a statement.
A Sullivan spokeswoman said in an email Friday that the family would not comment on the video.
Rahim, 26, was fatally shot Tuesday after investigators said he refused to drop a military-style knife as they sought to question him about "terrorist-related information." Police have said the video shows officers backing up and Rahim moving toward them before they fired.
Sullivan said Rahim's brother Ibrahim Rahim, a well-known imam in Boston, regrets posting a Facebook message based on incorrect, third-hand information claiming that his brother had been shot three times in the back.
"We now know we simply did not have all the facts at that time," Sullivan said.
A Muslim leader said Thursday that his killing by Boston police and the FBI was reckless and unnecessary. Imam Abdullah Faaruuq, who is close to the Rahim family, said he believes they wanted him dead.
"You can capture elephants, lions and tigers without killing them," Faaruuq said. "The intent was not to capture him and keep him alive."
Rahim will be buried Friday, but the family is keeping it private.
Geller is a combative personality known for provoking Muslims by campaigning against a mosque near the World Trade Center site, sponsoring inflammatory advertisements and organizing Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest in Texas.
The FBI said
Rahim and his nephew, David Wright, plotted to commit some kind of
attack, and Rahim ordered three large knives on Amazon.com a week
earlier.
The FBI said police
confronted Rahim after he told Wright on Tuesday that he had changed his
mind about beheading an out-of-state victim and instead planned to kill
local police officers either Tuesday or Wednesday.
___
Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo contributed to this story.
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